Clove Island Villas & SPA

I really enjoyed my stay at the Clove Island. The food and drinks were fantastic and the staff were amazing and very friendly. They were readily available to help and answer any questions we had during our stay. When it came to booking transportation to get around Zanzibar, they made the process easy. The property is nice, if you are looking for a cozy, quiet place secluded from the hustle and bustle, stay here. Also steps away from the beach and safe.

I really enjoyed my stay at the Clove Island. The food and drinks were fantastic and the staff were amazing and very friendly. They were readily available to help and answer any questions we had during our stay. When it came to booking transportation to get around Zanzibar, they made the process easy. The property is nice, if you are looking for a cozy, quiet place secluded from the hustle and bustle, stay here. Also steps away from the beach and safe.

On arrival the Polish owner welcomed us. He seemed a genuine enough guy but we had hoped our money would have gone to people of Zanzibar - not a foreign owner. The accommodation was amazing - a bedroom and lounge/kitchenette. I think all the other accommodation are a similar set up. It was immaculately clean and decor was modern. The staff are amazing. Wonderful women who cleaned the rooms and came in every evening to spray for mosquitoes (was not bitten once!). Bar and kitchen staff could not do enough to help. Even made us a fish coconut curry (a favourite Swahili dish) on our last day. The food in the restaurant is good but could be improved with more local dishes, after all you’re in Zanzibar not Italy or England. Was a little disappointed to see female manager counting the money from the tip box at the bar and disappearing into the office with it. I sincerely hope the tips go DIRECTLY to staff. My advice - tip staff directly yourself. That way you know they get it. The beach is a little stony but when the tide is up it’s past the stones and swimming is great. Don’t worry about the seaweed. It won’t hurt! Internet is intermittent. But we were not interested in keeping in touch with the outside world constantly. Sit by the pool, take long walks on the beach, talk to the staff, they are connected to the island and its culture. This hotel gets a 7 out of 10.

I can’t recommend Clove Island highly enough. The setting is stunning, right on a super quiet beach and so relaxing and zen. The design of the apartments is gorgeous, so much attention to detail, it felt like a serene beach house. The staff are all amazing, the manager really took time to make sure everyone enjoyed their stay, and all of the staff were so friendly and helpful. Breakfast was gorgeous, and the rooms are immaculate - as well as the pool area. The location is probably not for everyone as it is very quiet with nothing really happening around. This was just what I was looking for but if you’re looking for something lively then another part of the island may suit better. The beach is not really for swimming I wouldn’t think, due to the tide. But great to watch all the locals fishing in the morning while the sun is rising. If you’re looking for relaxation and a little Island escape then there is no better place to do it, I’d book again in a heartbeat.